Tuesday, October 6, 2015   |   Issue No. 7
Erosion Control Builder of Quarter: 
John Madden IV

John Madden

 
The City of Tulsa is pleased to recognize John G. Madden IV, owner of J. Madden Homes, LLC as the Erosion Control Builder of the Quarter. John has been in the business for nearly 14 years and for the last nine years his focus has been on building better with a focus on "Green" initiatives. Whether it's based on reducing energy consumption, using products that are better for the environment, or just using longer-lasting products, he always emphasizes reducing site pollution such as, water runoff, soil contaminant runoff, etc.
 
John has used a combination of solutions to ensure no sediment will leave his current construction site at 216 E. 34th St. He used two-to-three inch rock in the main drive with silt fencing along the perimeter. Then, in the main areas, he used a silt fence reinforced with straw bales for support. Other long-term solutions included the installation of a pop-up drain in the yard for the water to collect in from the gutters (versus running straight into the street), which slowed the flow of water. Secondly, he installed a pervious paving system down the center of the drive to collect as much runoff as possible and allow it to slowly filter back into the ground.
 
This particular house is under review for being one of the highest-rated green homes in Oklahoma. John is a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa and has served in various leadership roles there. He has also been involved with GreenBlitz, Tulsa Partners, Sustainable Tulsa, and the Green Building Strategy Team. Congratulations, John!

Central Stoneroller
Exploring Crow Creek

On Sept. 27, the City of Tulsa partnered with the Crow Creek Community and Sustainable Tulsa to bring a family friendly event to the Crow Creek watershed. The event started at Florence Park then traveled to Zink Park. Activities included a walk in the creek, pollution prevention demonstrations, fish collections, and art activities for kids. Crow Creek is listed on the federal list of impaired streams. This means Crow Creek does not meet the requirements set forth by the EPA for it to be clean enough to fish and swim in.

All of the day's activities were aimed at informing the public about the water quality of Crow Creek and how each person can do their part to help Crow Creek be the beautiful creek it has the potential to be. For more information, visit  Crow Creek Community on Facebook  or contact: 
Jean Lemmon
Oklahoma Conservation Commission 
(918) 625-1159

 
Species Spotlight: 
Central Stoneroller


The City of Tulsa's Stormwater program monitors many of Tulsa's streams for fish, which tells us information about the health of the stream. One common fish found is the Central Stoneroller. Comfortable in almost any section of the stream, the Central Stoneroller is a schooling minnow that feeds primarily on algae and detritus. Its size ranges from a few inches to almost 12 inches depending on the available habitat. 

Using the cartilaginous ridge on its lower jaw, it often rolls its body to remove mouthfuls of algae from the substrate, hence the name stoneroller. This action is noticeable when in clear water as large schools seem to sparkle from the sunlight reflecting off of their silvery sides as they feed.  Also true to their name sake, breeding males will roll stones with their snouts to create large depression in the gravel for nesting.

Breeding males will also develop breeding tubercles on their snouts and aggressively defend their nests from other males. In urban streams, the Central Stoneroller is a welcome inhabitant as they indicate only mild water quality issues and provide forage for desired, less tolerant species.



 
Visit the Stormwater Quality booth at the Fair

The City's Stormwater Quality Program will have a booth set up at the Tulsa State Fair in the Exchange Center building.  

Information will be available on all aspects of the our Stormwater Quality program, including  what the City does to protect Tulsa streams and what citizens can do to help protect them as well. 

There will be children's activities as well as free giveaways and prizes for both kids and adults. 

 


Fall Household Pollutant Collection Event
  
The City of Tulsa and the M.e.t. will once again partner on the Household Pollutant Collection event to be held November 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars can enter the Tulsa State Fairgrounds from the 15th and Sandusky entrance. 

Items accepted include: most household chemicals, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, ammunition, smoke alarms, aerosol paint, items containing mercury, gasoline, and medications. 

Items NOT accepted at the event: latex paint, tires, computers, radioactive waste and commercial waste. Latex paint is not accepted because it can be dried out by removing the lid and then thrown in the trash.
 

 

Low Impact Development Recognition through PACE Program
 

Tulsa's Partners for A Clean Environment (PACE) program is a voluntary,
non-regulatory recognition program coordinated by the City of Tulsa's Stormwater Quality group. The focus of the program is to provide recognition to businesses, individuals and groups who go above and beyond environmental regulations in an effort to be better stewards of our land and water. Low Impact Development, green building practices, are especially of importance in ensuring Tulsa's waterways remain free from pollutants. Those who implement these practices deserve recognition and to see if your green building practice qualifies visit PACE online to read more about the program.


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